Bruce Springsteen's drummer says on Trump: 'Gotta have respect'

Bruce Springsteen's Former Drummer Vini "Mad Dog" Lopez Pushes Back: "You Gotta Have Respect for the President "Vini “Mad Dog” Lopez, the original drummer for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band and a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, is publicly urging his former bandmate to show respect for President Donald Trump despite the rock icon’s repeated onstage attacks during his ongoing “Land of Hope and Dreams” American Tour.

Since launching the tour on March 31, 2026, in Minneapolis, the 76-year-old Springsteen has used his platform to deliver blistering political speeches against the Trump administration. He has described it as “corrupt, incompetent, racist, reckless and treasonous,” referred to Trump as a “wannabe king,” and mocked the president as someone who “can’t handle the truth.” The rants, often delivered during songs like “My City of Ruins,” have drawn strong reactions from both fans and critics, with some calling the shows more of a political rally than a concert.

In a recent interview with the New York Post, Lopez, now 77, pushed back firmly.“Trump is the president of the United States — everyone should have respect for him,” Lopez said from his winter home in Largo, Florida. “He is the president of the United States. And if I were standing there talking to him, I would have much respect for the man.” He added with a chuckle that he “wouldn’t talk to him about anything that’s going on” politically.

Lopez emphasized basic respect for the office regardless of political differences, a stance that contrasts sharply with Springsteen’s vocal opposition. The former drummer also expressed hope that positive outcomes could emerge from Trump’s policies: “I would love to see something good come out.”